Mavs need killer instinct

Marvin Ridge got a much-needed win last week when it downed Anson, 24-21, for its first Southern Carolina 3A/4A conference win of the season.

Jacob Henderson opened the game with a 91-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, while Justin Titgen added an 80-yarder. Aaron Pilkington found Derek Smith on a 19-yard strike for a touchdown. Jackson Van Sickle, who filled in for injured kicker Tyler Cochran, booted a 42-yard field goal to round out the scoring.

The Mavs defense, despite missing defensive back Paul Bueche (concussion) and outside linebacker Benn Leggett (groin), was able to halt the Bearcats on the final drive with a Jonah Moore interception.

The Mavs had five possessions in the second half, including four trips to the red zone. But the fact that they could only muster 10 points concerned coach Scott Chadwick, especially since it was the second consecutive week the Mavs blew a two-score lead in the first half. On Oct. 5, the Mavs jumped out to a 14-0 lead over Sun Valley before losing, 17-14.

“It’s definitely a concern that we can’t seem to find that killer instinct,” Chadwick said. “On one hand, it’s a concern; on the other hand, it does tell me we’re really, really close to being a very good football team. We’ve got a lot of young guys in key spots. Offensively, hopefully, it will click for us here soon.”